Walk-in clinic in Greencastle is 'quick, convenient'

Facility is beneficial for Greencastle residents and frees up resources at emergency department

January 26, 2011|By ROXANN MILLER | roxann.miller@herald-mail.com

By Roxann Miller, Staff Writer

GREENCASTLE, Pa. — As a busy mother of three children under the age of 4, Alice Chamberlin was thrilled when a walk-in clinic opened in Greencastle.

"It's so convenient. You don't have to make an appointment, and the longest I've had to wait was 10-15 minutes before being seen," said Chamberlin, of Greencastle.

Antrim Family and Walk-In Care at 50 Eastern Ave. is an extension of Summit Health's family medicine practice at the same location.

The facility is staffed with medical personnel to treat minor illnesses and injuries including cuts, sprains, bee strings, fevers, sore throats and more.

The facility, which is near the intersection of Interstate 81 and Pa. 16, opened Nov. 29. Chamberlin has already taken her children to the walk-in facility five times for a variety of ailments, including ear infections, strep throat, colds and sinus infections.

"This is a great addition to the community. It's quick, convenient and the staff are really nice," Chamberlin said.

Most insurance plans are accepted. The walk-in care center is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Gordon Braun, physician assistant and primary provider at the walk-in clinic, said the medical team sees a wide variety of patients.

"I think the youngest was six days old to geriatric. We see everything from strains, sprains, lacerations, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, colds and migraines," said Braun.

While the facility is beneficial for Greencastle area residents, Braun said its reach goes beyond Franklin County.

"Because of our proximity to (Interstate) 81, we've had a number of truckers come in over the holiday season; we've had a number of folks who have been out of the country from Canada," said Braun.

When patients come to the walk-in clinic, Braun says it frees up resources at the emergency department for more severe cases.

John Massimilla, vice president of administration and chief operating officer at Summit Health's Chambersburg Hospital, said the need for a walk-in clinic was indicated by a recent community needs assessment conducted by Summit Health and Capital Blue Cross.

Massimilla said the new Antrim walk-in facility was modeled after Shippensburg's walk-in care center at 46 Walnut Bottom Road.